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Man, 2 teens arrested for faking death of young boy in funeral fund scam

Posted at 9:24 PM, Sep 19, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-19 21:24:03-04

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – A California man and two teenagers have been arrested for allegedly faking the death of a young boy in order to collect funeral donations.

Richard Navarrete is seen alongside the two juvenile suspects in a photo released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Richard Navarrete is seen alongside the two juvenile suspects in a photo released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies found the trio holding signs and asking for donations Monday near the area of U.S. Highway 395 and Palmdale Road in Victorville, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department stated in anews release.

The signs said the donations were for the funeral of a young boy, whose picture was attached.

Richard Navarrete, 20, and two 14-year-old boys were arrested when investigators determined the boy on the sign was still alive.

The child is actually the son of one of Navarrete’s friends, the Sheriff’s Department stated.

Three water bottles with donated cash inside were also found at the scene.

Investigators talked to one victim who was located nearby.

They believe several other victims are out there and are asking for anyone with information to contact the Victorville Police Department at 760-241-2911. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-782-7463.

One of the donation signs is seen in an image provided by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

One of the donation signs is seen in an image provided by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.